Story Notes: This story took a lot of planning. I'm super happy to share this with everyone. Apologies, it's taken me so long to write new what if's.
Title: The Guardian of the Sun
Category: Adventures of Tintin
Characters: Tintin, Haddock
Summary: Tintin is injured during his escape from the Pachacamac, but decides not to worry Haddock. What will become of him when Haddock leaves to contact the police?
Genre: Angst,
Rating: T
Themes: Blood, Friendship, Trust
Suggested Music
1. A Time For Us - Edgar Muenala
2. Rome: Total War - Eliott Tordo Erhu
3. Service & Sacrifice - Eliott Tordo Erhu
4. Utsusemi (Man of the World) - Eliott Tordo Erhu
As Tintin leapt from the ship in a precise swan dive, a hail of bullets hurtled towards him. In a split second, a searing pain smacked into his side. He immediately lost control of the dive, falling awkwardly. As he resurfaced in the shadow of the ship, he didn't even have time to breathe. More bullets followed. With no time to waste, he ignored the pain, swimming as fast as he could. Lifting his head slightly, he found Haddock rowing towards him, shrinking the gap between them.
As Haddock's hands wrapped around his shoulder to pull him up, the pain intensified, but he pushed it away, determined to alert the police.
"Quick, climb aboard! Are you hurt?"
"Not a scratch," Tintin quickly replied, convinced the injury was a bullet graze. "But we need to get out of here, fast!"
Tintin pulled his jacket over him, hiding the wound from Haddock.
We've got enough to worry about without my injury. I'll be fine, Tintin thought, in a bid to convince himself he had nothing to worry about.
"Calculus in onboard, Captain! I saw him. They're going to put him to death. They say he committed sacrilege by wearing an Inca bracelet,"
Haddock hurried his pace, ploughing them through the water as fast as he could.
"We must get reinforcements!"
Tintin held in a pained gasp as they reached the shore.
Why does it hurt so much?
"Dash back to town and alert the police. I'll stay here and keep watch,"
As Haddock sped away, Tintin dropped behind the rocks and gently pulled his coat from his side. His breath hitched as he found the small round bloodstain. Blood continued to escape the wound, adhering to his already wet hands.
Breathe through it, Tintin thought, trying to convince himself he had nothing to worry about.
Just focus on the ship.
He grimaced, prompting him to press his hand to the wound.
The bullet is still inside me...
Every time he moved, the metal aggravated his skin further, even though it had reached its final journey.
He turned to face the Pachacamac, quickly noticing the lifeboat approaching.
Hurry up, Haddock!
It didn't take them long to reach the shore.
Tintin's eyes widened as they carried Calculus from the boat and placed him on a Lama. He followed them as they quickly paced away, trying to keep as near as he could without alerting them to his presence. Already injured, Tintin risked everything in his vulnerable position. As he pursued them up an uneven road, stones drove against his shoes, pulverising his aching feet.
Tintin leant against a wall for support, briefly taking his focus off the men. When he turned around, they were gone. His breath quickened as a cold chill spread through his body. He stumbled, struggling to focus as the road and Snowy transformed into many. As a shadow formed from the light of the moon, he fell onto his knees. Snowy's soft fur provided some comfort but not enough to prevent unconsciousness from overtaking him.
No ... Calculus ...
As Snowy started to growl at an unseen force, he pulled his hand from the wound. Blood covered his palms and fingers, sticking to his skin. As his last ounce of strength faded, his body submitted. Snowy's barks faded the moment he hit the ground. His eye's shut, leaving him at the mercy of the world.
x
As Tintin's eyes flickered open, Snowy gently licked his master then rubbed his head against his face. He couldn't raise his hand at first, but he persevered. Slowly he ran his fingers over Snowy's soft fur, embracing the comfort it provided. His's eye's finally focused, and he found himself gazing around the small stone room. He pulled himself up and frowned in confusion.
Where am I?
The thick fabric he lay on provided much-needed warmth in the cold chill of the night. A trio of candles in the centre of the room bathed the room with light.
Tintin gazed down to find a bandage pressed on the side of his bare abdomen. He didn't dare move it, but as his eyes wandered, he caught a glance of a mushroomed bullet on the floor. His shirt lay neatly folded beside it.
What ... How?
A man suddenly appeared in the door, his face obscured by a hood. The man rushed to Tintin and knelt beside him.
Tintin laid down, taking the hint as the stranger's hand came across his chest.
"Please don't move. Can I ..." the man asked, motioning to the bandage on his abdomen.
Tintin nodded, raising his head to see the state of the wound.
As the man removed the bandage, Tintin froze.
What?
Apart from a bloodied stain on the bandage, the wound had all but healed, leaving a scar behind.
That's impossible, Tintin thought, how...
"What... How did you.."
"I wish I could share, Senor," The man spoke, his local South American accent dominating his syllables.
Out of respect, Tintin didn't push. As his energy returned, he gently stroked Snowy and considered his next moves.
"I know why you came here. You will not find what you seek,"
How ... What's going on?
Tintin paused for a moment. He didn't know what to make of the stranger.
"I'm not leaving without him. He's my friend," Tintin replied.
"You are a courageous young man. I admire your resolve, but you are walking into dangerous territory. The men who have taken your friend will do anything to stop your mission. They will kill you,"
Tintin held in a gulp, even as his heart started to pound within his chest.
"I'll take the chance,"
"And, if you die, what then?"
"Then I'll die knowing I've done everything I could to prevent it. I will not abandon him," Tintin immediately stated.
No one will stop Haddock and me.
We've come this far. I'm not giving up on Calculus. Not now.
The stranger turned his head to gaze out of the window. Tintin still couldn't make him out. His deep voice made him wonder if he happened to be an older man.
Tintin could just make out the spreading sunlight in the early morning sky. Its rays spread across the mountains, reflecting off every surface.
Dawn had disappeared.
The morning had come to the valley.
A sudden thought came to Tintin's mind.
"You know something," Tintin exclaimed, vocalising his thoughts. "You know who's taken him. Tell me, Please,"
The Stranger bowed his head, yet still didn't look at him.
"Please, He ... he doesn't deserve this," Tintin pleaded.
The stranger stood up, momentarily admiring the sunrise, then turned his head slightly, managing to keep his face hidden.
"I can't. Such an act would condemn me,"
A strong breeze eradicated the flames of the candles as he spoke again.
"You are a good, honest man. I do not wish you to die. The world needs you,"
Tintin briefly cast his glace down, feeling incredibly humbled by the statement. His heartbeat decreased with ease as his eyes watered.
The stranger stepped towards the door, then faced him. Tintin only caught a glance at the man before all of the features faded into obscurity.
"Go to the Railway Station. You will find your answers,"
Before Tintin could reply, the stranger paced through the door, disappearing from Tintin's line of sight.
"No! Wait!" Tintin cried, struggling to his feet and stumbling towards the door. By the time he'd managed to regain his balance, the stranger had disappeared out of existence. The roads remained empty.
What?
Who was that man?
Snowy collected his shirt and passed it to him. Tintin gracefully took his shirt and stroked Snowy's head.
"Thanks, Boy,"
After pulling on his shirt, he started to walk, quickly finding his feet now that the pain had gone. After a few metres, Snowy barked. Tintin turned to find Snowy jogging to him with a poncho, and a hat in his mouth. He dropped them in front of him, wagging his tail.
At least this will help me blend in, Tintin concluded as he pulled on the garments.
I wonder if the stranger left them next to the house?
Tintin followed the road into the town, keeping his eyes peeled for any indication of Calculus and the kidnappers. As he wandered into the town square, Tintin kept his head down slightly even as he gazed around. Despite the hour, the town square seemed to be quite full. He made his way to the train station, keeping Snowy close. As he crossed the road, the flash of a green hat caught his attention. He rushed across the last of the road, watching the group on the platform.
As Chiquito turned, Tintin hid his face, pulling himself behind the wall.
Tintin gradually inched his head back into position, observing the group as Calculus followed the men onto the train.
They must have drugged him, Tintin thought. He wouldn't follow those men willingly.
"Get him to Jauga. You know what to do," Chiquito ordered. As they clambered on board, Tintin thrust his hands into his pockets. He counted his money but didn't have enough for a ticket. Tintin's chest tightened at the thought of leaving Calculus in the hands of his kidnappers.
I need help.
I need to find Haddock.